The Literacy Coach's Handbook ─ A Guide to Research-Based Practice

This bestselling book gives preservice and practicing literacy coaches the tools they need to build a successful schoolwide reading program. The authors, well-known experts in the field, describe the literacy coach's crucial, evolving role in today's schools. They offer step-by-step guidelines for implementing curricula and assessments, selecting instructional materials, and planning for differentiation and intervention. Specific ways to support teachers by providing high-quality professional development are discussed. The book is grounded in state-of-the-art research on PreK-5 instruction and the characteristics of effective coaches.

New to This Edition
*Incorporates the latest research and instructional materials.
*Expanded grade range now includes PreK and grades 4-5.
*Content on RTI and the Common Core standards is woven throughout.
*Strategies for making professional development more responsive to teachers' needs.

See also The Literacy Coaching Challenge, which guides more experienced coaches in choosing among different coaching models and addresses typical issues of implementation.

Sharon Walpole, PhD, is Professor of Reading at the University of Delaware. She has extensive school-based experience, including work as an elementary literacy coach. Dr. Walpole has also been involved in federally funded and other schoolwide reform projects. Her current work involves the design and effects of schoolwide reforms, particularly those involving literacy coaches. She has coauthored or coedited several other books with Michael C. McKenna, and her articles have appeared in numerous Journals. Dr. Walpole is a recipient of the Early Career Award from the National Reading Conference for Significant Contributions to Literacy Research and Education.

Michael C. McKenna, PhD, is Thomas G. Jewell Professor of Reading at the University of Virginia. He has authored, coauthored, or edited more than 20 books and over 100 articles, chapters, and technical reports on a range of literacy topics. His research has been sponsored by the National Reading Research Center and the Center for the Improvement of Early Reading Achievement. Dr. McKenna is the cowinner of the Literacy Research Association's Edward B. Fry Book Award and the American Library Association's Award for Outstanding Academic Books. He works extensively with literacy coaches in Georgia and Virginia.